Why India's picking up speed as the next big thing in surfing

(CNN) — Forget Hawaii, California and Bali. India could be the next big thing in the surfing world.

After all, with 4,350 miles of coastline, the world's seventh-largest country has no shortage of tiny beaches and big swells.

While surf infrastructure is still in its infancy, dozens of pro and amateur surfers are finding their way to Mantra Surf Club -- said to be India's first surf club.

From their remote location in the southwestern state of Karnataka, the club's founders have watched the sport gain traction over the past 10 years.

"India happens to be a very special place," Rammohan Paranjape, a surfing instructor from Karnataka, tells CNN Travel.

"You have empty beaches and waves to yourself. And, on top of that, you get to experience an amazing culture. It makes for one of the best surfing trips ever."

Surfing's last frontier

Paranjape is an ambassador of the pioneering Mantra Surf Club, which opened over a decade ago.

In this far-flung region, where you're more likely to share the beach with a crab than another person, Jack Hebner and Rick Perry -- two passionate American surfers -- chose to set up shop on a small beach in a tiny fishing village near Mangalore.

"Back in 2007 (when the club was officially established), surfing was still unheard of," says Paranjape.

"Generally, in India, there is a culture of avoiding the ocean, rather than embracing it, so that really put us on the back foot."

Despite the late start, Mantra quickly became a go-to surf club.

"Since opening, we have taught thousands of people how to surf, from celebrities of the cricket world to Bollywood stars."